Tustin Blimp Hangar
Colossal WWII blimp hangars, marvels of wooden engineering, standing as silent witnesses to history. One largely lost to fire, the other a testament t...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Unique access to interiors
Tustin Blimp Hangar
Best Time
Unique access to interiors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Colossal WWII blimp hangars, marvels of wooden engineering, standing as silent witnesses to history. One largely lost to fire, the other a testament to enduring scale.
"Beneath a sky smeared with the amber glow of late afternoon, the Tustin Blimp Hangar rises like the ribcage of some long-dead colossus."
Check Access Status
Fires have impacted access. Verify current status before planning your visit. :information_source:
Embrace the Scale
Prepare to be awestruck by the sheer size of these historic structures. :statueofliberty:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The South Hangar's Grandeur
Former Marine Corps Air Station Tustin
Marvel at the immense scale of the remaining south hangar, a testament to WWII engineering and ambition.
Echoes of History
Exterior of the hangars
Imagine blimps patrolling the coast and helicopters once housed within these colossal structures.
Community Events
Inside the hangars (when accessible)
Experience the unique atmosphere of events held within these historic, cavernous spaces.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Landmark in Transition
Historical Significance & Future
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Access Status
Fires have impacted access. Verify current status before planning your visit. :information_source:
Embrace the Scale
Prepare to be awestruck by the sheer size of these historic structures. :statueofliberty:
Look for Events
Community events sometimes offer interior access. Check local listings. :ticket:
Respect the Site
These are historic landmarks. Treat them with care and respect. :pray:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Access Status
Fires have impacted access. Verify current status before planning your visit. :information_source:
Embrace the Scale
Prepare to be awestruck by the sheer size of these historic structures. :statueofliberty:
Look for Events
Community events sometimes offer interior access. Check local listings. :ticket:
Respect the Site
These are historic landmarks. Treat them with care and respect. :pray:
Capture the History
Bring your camera to document this unique piece of history. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors express awe at the immense scale and historical significance of the Tustin Blimp Hangars, often describing them as colossal and awe-inspiring landmarks. However, recent devastating fires, particularly to the north hangar, have led to disappointment and sadness regarding the loss of this iconic structure.
"Beneath a sky smeared with the amber glow of late afternoon, the Tustin Blimp Hangar rises like the ribcage of some long-dead colossus — impossibly vast, ancient, and asleep in plain sight. Its weathered skin of wood and steel strains against time, a monument not merely to engineering but to a kind of ambition too large to be innocent. You do not see it so much as feel it — like a presence — long before you cross its shadow.
There’s awe, certainly. A reverent silence swells in the lungs as your eyes trace its spine arcing across the horizon. It is sublime in the way cathedrals are, built for gods or for war, and in this case, both. The hangar does not beg to be admired — it commands it. It makes you feel small. It makes you feel watched.
And then, the fear creeps in. Not loud or sudden, but a whisper behind the ribs. The hangar is empty now, its belly hollow, but it hums with the memory of what it once held: surveillance, silence, secrets. Its doors — two titanic slabs taller than most buildings — seem too large for anything meant for peace. You can’t help but imagine them slowly groaning open, not to release something, but to reawaken it.
Around its perimeter, nature hesitates. Weeds grow tentatively. Birds do not linger. Even in decay, the hangar exerts authority — a relic of a future that never quite arrived but still looms over us like a warning. There is beauty here, yes. But it is the beauty of a storm seen from a great distance, or the eye of something that remembers a different world. One where the skies were crowded, and trust was rationed.
You stand before it and realize: this place was not built to shelter. It was built to endure."
Leon Zhao
"We were fortunate enough to catch a stunning glimpse of the Goodyear blimp as it emerged from Hangar #2. With a sense of anticipation in the air, we watched it taxi, prepare for takeoff, and finally ascend gracefully into the sky. It was a fun sight to watch! #GoodyearBlimp #TustinHangars"
darryl sato
"5 Stars to the America that built these Hangars. 1 Star to the City of Tustin and those in charge that just LET IT BURN for a week (north hangar)! Sad. Pics from Nov 7th, 8th, 12, and 16th - all still burning!"
Rich M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Tustin Blimp Hangars are located at the former Marine Corps Air Station Tustin in Tustin, California. Access may vary due to ongoing redevelopment and past fire damage. It's best to check local advisories for current entry points and parking information. Driving is the most common way to reach the area, with major freeways nearby.
While public transportation might get you to the general Tustin area, direct routes to the hangar site itself can be limited. Research local bus routes in Tustin for the closest stops. Rideshare services are also an option.
Parking availability can change, especially during events or redevelopment phases. Historically, there was ample parking on the former base. Check for designated event parking or public access points.
The area is quite expansive. While possible, it's a considerable distance to walk or bike from surrounding neighborhoods. Ensure you are aware of any restricted areas if approaching on foot or by bike.
The site is vast. If accessible, wear comfortable shoes for walking. Be aware of uneven terrain and any construction zones. Maps might be available during public events.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General access to view the exterior of the hangars may be possible depending on current site status. However, to enter the hangars for events like the Tustin Food and Wine Festival, tickets are required. Check event websites for details.
As a former military base and now a site undergoing redevelopment, there are no fixed public operating hours for general access. Access is typically limited to specific events or organized tours, if available.
Viewing the exterior is generally free. However, if you attend an event held within the hangars, such as the Tustin Food and Wine Festival, there will be an admission fee.
Interior access is usually restricted to special events. The Tustin Food and Wine Festival is a notable occasion where visitors can experience the interior. Keep an eye on local event listings for future opportunities.
Due to the site's history, including recent fires and ongoing redevelopment, access can be restricted. Always check for official announcements or advisories regarding safety and entry.
📸 📸 Photography
The sheer scale of the hangars is impressive from any angle. Try capturing them from a distance to show their immensity against the sky, or get closer to detail the unique wooden construction. Drone photography has also captured stunning aerial views.
Regulations regarding drone usage can be complex, especially on former military sites. It's crucial to check with local authorities or the site management for any permits or restrictions before flying a drone.
Many visitors capture the architectural grandeur, historical significance, and the impact of time and events like fires on the structures. Cinematic drone shots and wide-angle exterior views are common.
If you attend an event held inside, photography is usually permitted. However, always be mindful of event rules and respect other attendees' privacy.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting that can enhance the textures and scale of the hangars. Overcast days can also provide even lighting for detailed shots.
🎫 📜 History & Significance
Built in 1942 for the U.S. Navy during WWII, these hangars were designed to house blimps for coastal patrol. They are among the world's largest wooden structures and later served as a Marine Corps Air Station. 
They were constructed to support the Navy's blimp operations, providing a protected space for airships used in anti-submarine warfare and coastal surveillance during World War II.
They are iconic landmarks representing a significant piece of American military history and engineering prowess. Their immense size and unique construction make them historically important structures.
Tragically, the north hangar suffered a massive fire in November 2023, causing significant destruction. The south hangar remains, though its future is part of redevelopment plans.
The north hangar is largely destroyed. The south hangar is preserved but its future use is subject to redevelopment plans. Occasional events are held within the remaining structure.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It’s a great opportunity to discuss WWII history and engineering feats in a way that’s more engaging than a textbook. Keep in mind that the site is vast and may involve a lot of walking if you're exploring the perimeter. Comfortable shoes are a must. If there are any community events held at the hangars, these can be particularly family-friendly, offering activities and a chance to see the interior. Always check for current access information and any safety advisories before your visit, especially after recent fire events.
History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
+1 Exploring the exterior of the remaining south hangar allows for an appreciation of its scale and construction. Researching the hangars' role in coastal defense and their subsequent use as a Marine Corps Air Station will deepen your understanding. Consider looking for documentaries or historical accounts to complement your visit. While the north hangar is gone, its memory and the surviving south hangar offer a powerful glimpse into a bygone era.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvels of WWII
+1The hangars were built for the U.S. Navy at the former Tustin Marine Corps Air Station. Their primary purpose was to house and maintain blimps used for coastal patrol and anti-submarine warfare. The strategic importance of these airships during the war meant that the hangars needed to be robust and capacious. The twin structures, Hangar 1 and Hangar 2, were identical in their monumental design, each a marvel of its time.
Sadly, the north hangar (Hangar 1) was significantly damaged and largely destroyed by a major fire in November 2023. This event marked a tragic loss for a historic landmark. The south hangar (Hangar 2) still stands, a powerful reminder of the original complex. The future of the remaining hangar is a subject of ongoing discussion and redevelopment plans, aiming to preserve its historical significance while integrating it into the community's future.
+1A Landmark's Recent Fate
+2This event has been a source of great sadness for the community, as the hangars were beloved landmarks. While the north hangar is now largely a ruin, the south hangar remains standing. However, its future is uncertain as redevelopment plans for the former Marine Corps Air Station Tustin are underway. Community members have expressed a desire to preserve the remaining structure and its historical significance.
+1Despite the destruction, the memory and impact of the Tustin Blimp Hangars endure. They represent a significant chapter in military history and architectural achievement. Visitors and locals alike reflect on their imposing presence and the stories they hold, even as the landscape around them transforms.
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